Julene M. Hartfiel

Julene M. Hartfiel (Johnson), age 85 of St. Paul, passed away May 21, 2026.

Born to John M. and Louise (Busse) Johnson in Mapleton Minnesota. After graduating from high school, Julene moved to St. Paul to work for an insurance company. She met Kenneth Hartfiel on a blind date. They later married and went on to create a loving family. Julene worked in many jobs including the corner drug store, a uniform company, and a lighting store. Julene and Ken enjoyed an occasional drive to Duluth and the North Shore as well as trips to Laughlin, Nevada. After Ken’s death in 2003, Julene enjoyed luncheons with her friends from church, trips to the casino, working at the thrift store, reading, and completing the crossword puzzles in the daily newspaper. She enjoyed hosting the family for holidays and birthdays. Julene loved angels and accumulated a small collection. Christmas lights were one of her favorite things to enjoy and she was disappointed when the Christmas season ended.

Julene was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; parents, John M. and Louise (Busse) Johnson; sisters, June (Ed) Bruley and Dorothy (Arden) Asleson; brothers, Kenneth, Donald (Sally), and Martin; son-in-law, John Kelch; in-laws, Laverne (Robert) Dodd and Fred (Pat) Hartfiel; and nieces, Brenda Johnson and Suzanne Dodd.

Survived by her beloved children, Barbara, Steven (Peggy), and Sheryl; grandchildren, Tiana, Eric (Breanna), Samantha (Brian) Panek, and Andrew; great-grandchildren, Nora-Belle, Ezra, Elijah, Emmalyn, and Theodore; sister-in-law, Mary Johnson; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to thank the supportive team at Our Lady of Peace Hospice & Home Health Care and would like to recognize Laura, Mackenzie, and Raina. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the team at Synergy HomeCare that cared for Julene in her final weeks, and would especially like to recognize Edith, June, and Bayyinah for their support, care, and advice.

A funeral service for Julene will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 27 at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 115 Crusader Ave. W, West St. Paul. Visitation will be held at the church from 10-11 AM Wednesday, with a luncheon to follow the service. A private interment will take place at Elmhurst Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to any of the following organizations: Our Lady of Peace Hospice, Alzheimer’s Foundation, or the American Cancer Society.

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